Vale travel to Ickenham in the final game of the campaign with everything to play for: a win keeps the club up, but a defeat would see them drop down into Division Two.

This comes off the back of a defeat away to Finchley last weekend, which saw Vale record their highest score of the season yet still fall more than 100 runs short of the home side’s imposing total.

Vale became the first team in more than two years to bowl the hosts out, but by the time the tenth wicket fell, Finchley had already racked up a total of 382.

Against some top-quality batsmen, on a wonderful wicket for batting and with a lightning quick outfield, Vale had few answers as they struggled to contain their hosts. Grant Reingold picked up his first five-for the club, whilst Toby Michaels and Steven Allweis both chipped in with two wickets apiece, but there was little else to celebrate in the field.

Faced with such a daunting chase, Vale showed great courage and skill to post 275-7 off their allotted 45 overs – but they never truly threatened to reel in Finchley’s score.

Ben Lederman was magnificent in making a century, as he struck 122 off just 94 balls in a defiant knock. He was able supported by Adam Parker, who contributed an unbeaten 72 – but despite their efforts, Vale succumbed by a heavy margin and now face Ickenham for their survival.